Aldermen vote to extend contract with Superior Trash Service to 2006

Kevin Ingram with North Missouri Internet Service sought permission to use the city’s water towers for placing antennas during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Feb. 10. Mayor Davis stated the city already has a contract with Mid-States Services for antenna space on the water towers. The board agreed to accept only the contract with Mid-States Services and future discussion on tower space could be re-opened in 12 months.

Mike Teeter with Superior Trash Service informed the board that the city’s contract was due to expire on July 31, 2003. He requested that the city renew its contract with the exception of two changes. A motion carried to accept the new three-year contract with Superior which would extend to July 31, 2006.

Ron Dickson with the Gallatin Fire District requested that the current building lease with the city be extended from three years to 25 years or the Fire District would be willing to buy the building from the city. A motion to extend the Gallatin Fire Districts building lease from three years to 25 years carried.

Kenneth King, gas superintendent, updated the board on the gas department. An ordinance amending the Gallatin City Code relating to the establishment of natural gas rates was accepted after first and second readings.

Roger Loxterman, utility superintendent, reported that the blowers for the wastewater plant had been ordered. An update of the utility department was given.

Deputy City Clerk Acree stated that there has been complaints that city hall is not handicap accessible. Alderman Griffin’s motion carried to allow the County Commission to place a handicap sign in the place of the police parking sign on the corner of Main Street and West Grand.

Mrs. Acree also discussed the pool renovations that need to be done and will have a bid to submit at the next meeting.

Alderman Snidow inquired about the number of sewer easements to be signed. He asked for an updated tool inventory list for each department.

Alderman Schweizer made the following motion “The mayor contends ‘this board is doing everything possible to run the city up front and above board; the way the city has operated in the past and the way it should be run.’ The facts refute this contention, but it’s never too late to start. Therefore, I move to open separate bank accounts for each utility and the general fund, as was the practice in the past. Doing this will give us actual money in the bank balances instead of just meaningless accounting entries. This is the way it should be run.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Alderman Schweizer made the following motion “It’s easy to understand the mayor’s reluctance to appoint a treasurer, as the policy for the last six years to use electric and water money to carry the gas system would have been impossible with a treasurer performing the duties required by state law. Whether this board thinks we need a treasurer, or not, is immaterial. We have all sworn to comply with state law and city ordinances. Ordinance 21.700 requires the mayor to appoint a treasurer. State law requires the endorsement of the treasurer before money can be drawn from the treasury. Therefore, I move an updated ordinance be prepared defining the term of office and the amount of compensations for the office of city treasurer.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Mayor Davis requested a special meeting be held at 6 p.. on Feb. 19, 2003. The meeting will be to consider resumes received for the position of city administrator.

Mayor Davis requested that Donnie Smith be removed from the Park Board. Mayor Davis stated the request was made “due to differences that Donnie had with the current city administration.” Motion carried.

Bills in the amount of $128,379.15 were approved for payment.

Chief of Police Jim Wycoff stated that the police department bought a new computer and new shirts for the officers. Mayor Davis inquired about any dog problems. Chief Wycoff stated he had responded to a call from Mrs. Bush about four loose dogs in their yard.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held Monday, Feb. 10, at city hall. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Robert Snidow, Norma Griffin, Gene Schweizer, Becky Wycoff, Deputy City Clerk Autumn Acree, Police Chief Jim Wycoff, Kevin Ingram, Mike Teeter, Ron Dickson, John Thomas, David Rains, Kenneth King and Roger Loxterman.